Overview
Experimental Design is the design of any information-gathering exercises where variation is present, whether under the full control of the experimenter or not. In Science Olympiad, Experimental Design is like Science Fair, but in a much smaller time frame. If you're someone that pwns in PJAS or just prefers preparing proposals over other scientific persuasions, this is the event for you!
Qualifications
As I said before, Experimental Design is all about making an interesting and effective experiment. Fortunately, that's also what science fairs are (mostly) about. Therefore, participation and, more importantly, success in PJAS, MontCo, or any other science fairs will be weighted heavily when choosing the team for this event. The more you can tell me about your experience with science fairs, the better.
More qualifying factors will emerge as the year progresses. If you haven't gone to a science fair before, don't fret; everyone at UD should have had the scientific method hammered in to their heads by now, so as long as you know how to design an experiment, the finer aspects can be taught. If you're interested in this event and you'll put time into it, you won't get kicked out just because you haven't attended a science fair.
Study Materials Basic ("What is this event about?")
Read the rubric from last year's event. Make sure you have a firm grasp of the scientific method (look at your notes from past science courses or ask your science teacher). Intermediate ("How can I study for Hotchy's practice tests?")
While this will depend on the content of the yet-to-be-created tests (details forthcoming), this long-winded article is a good place to start. Advanced ("I'm on the team, how can I cram for the event?")
First of all, don't cram. Angry face.
Second of all, Experimental Design is one of the few SO events that they actually publish resources for. In fact, they updated their CD with new material for the 2012 competitions. It's $16 (the club might buy it, we're not sure yet), but it probably has enough info on it that it's worth the purchase. Given that I've already stolen all of the non-broken links from SO's page for this event, the next thing I'd recommend is to design sample experiments.
Overview
Experimental Design is the design of any information-gathering exercises where variation is present, whether under the full control of the experimenter or not. In Science Olympiad, Experimental Design is like Science Fair, but in a much smaller time frame. If you're someone that pwns in PJAS or just prefers preparing proposals over other scientific persuasions, this is the event for you!
Qualifications
As I said before, Experimental Design is all about making an interesting and effective experiment. Fortunately, that's also what science fairs are (mostly) about. Therefore, participation and, more importantly, success in PJAS, MontCo, or any other science fairs will be weighted heavily when choosing the team for this event. The more you can tell me about your experience with science fairs, the better.
More qualifying factors will emerge as the year progresses. If you haven't gone to a science fair before, don't fret; everyone at UD should have had the scientific method hammered in to their heads by now, so as long as you know how to design an experiment, the finer aspects can be taught. If you're interested in this event and you'll put time into it, you won't get kicked out just because you haven't attended a science fair.
Study Materials
Basic ("What is this event about?")
Read the rubric from last year's event. Make sure you have a firm grasp of the scientific method (look at your notes from past science courses or ask your science teacher).
Intermediate ("How can I study for Hotchy's practice tests?")
While this will depend on the content of the yet-to-be-created tests (details forthcoming), this long-winded article is a good place to start.
Advanced ("I'm on the team, how can I cram for the event?")
First of all, don't cram. Angry face.
Second of all, Experimental Design is one of the few SO events that they actually publish resources for. In fact, they updated their CD with new material for the 2012 competitions. It's $16 (the club might buy it, we're not sure yet), but it probably has enough info on it that it's worth the purchase. Given that I've already stolen all of the non-broken links from SO's page for this event, the next thing I'd recommend is to design sample experiments.